Midlands MPs' messages of hope for new year
MPs across the Black Country and Staffordshire have shared their messages of hope and positivity for a much better year in 2021.
Politicians said it had been a "really really tough year" for everyone involved as the country faced off against the threat of Covid-19.
But they have said there is a "lot of light" at the end of the tunnel in the fight against the pandemic – and have remained upbeat about 2021.
Stuart Anderson, MP for Wolverhampton South West, said: "I would say it's been a pleasure to be the MP for Wolverhampton South West, where I've seen the city come together as one in the toughest of circumstances we've seen in our lifetime.
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"I've watched amazing acts of kindness and sacrifice – and I'm amazed by what the people of Wolverhampton have done. I'm humbled to be on this journey with the rest of Wolverhampton and I'm looking forward to an amazing 2021."
Shaun Bailey, MP for West Bromwich West, praised people in his constituency for helping each other out amid the pandemic – and pulling each other through it.
He said: "Obviously, it's been a really really tough year and I'm proud of how communities have come together in my part of Sandwell.
"The end is in sight now and I've been really proud of how people have come together. Going into 2021, I'm hopeful we will be opening things back up and bringing back some normality with it."
Marco Longhi, MP for Dudley North, said it had been a "crazy year" but was hopeful of a better 2021 – one with hope of beating Covid-19 and opportunities on offer in Dudley.
He said: "We've all had a tough old year and I've been asked 'what's it like being an MP?' and every single day I would say a different answer.
"It's been a crazy year for everyone and my message is a positive one – one of hope because there's quite a lot of light at the end of the tunnel now with different vaccines.
"We've just got to pull through the next month and we'll be there I think. It's a message of hope and one of opportunity in Dudley as well – there's so much going on here now."
Eddie Hughes, MP for Walsall North, said people would take the positives from this year which would help them move forwards – and make next year even better.
He: "First of all, I think there will be some things we will take as good things from 2020 – such as communication through modern technology.
"2021 will be a better year for everyone and we will take the best of 2020 with us – and we'll have a better appreciation of things we couldn't do which we love to do, like going to the football or to the theatre."
Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, said he was hopeful of returning to normality next year once the vaccine is rolled out to those most in need.
He said: "As a nation, this year must have been the worst in living memory. But we have learned things too. How to help our friends and neighbours in need and also how to work remotely!
"I'm hoping that by spring the most vulnerable people will have been vaccinated against Covid and we can then return to normality.
"I wish all the Express & Star readers a far better and enjoyable 2021."
